GET CERTIFIED FAQ

[Please note that some policies have changed and become effective on January 1, 2016]
How do I become a Certified Spinning Instructor?
Join our global network of Certified Spinning Instructors changing lives every day as you learn how to teach classes and create unforgettable rides! If you’re ready to begin your journey, become certified in three easy steps:
1. Register for a Spinning Instructor Certification Live Training Day.
2. Review Instructor Manual and Study Guide.
3. Take and pass the online assessment (prior to live training day or within 30 days after).
4. Attend the live, one-day, 9-hour training day.
What is the difference between a Spinning® Instructor Certification and other indoor cycling certifications?
Created for professional cyclists, the Spinning Instructor Certification is designed for helping you achieve peak performance as an athlete and an instructor. When you join our global network of Certified Spinning Instructors led by the Spinning Master Instructor team, you have access to all the latest resources you need to help you create classes, epic rides or enhance your coaching skills. We also offer the widest variety of continuing education options: workshops, home studies, online courses, fitness conferences and newsletter quizzes.
How long after I’ve completed the Spinning® Instructor Certification Live Training Day do I have to take the certification exam?
While the exam will be immediately available in your instructor online account after you completed your registration for the Spinning Instructor Certification Live Training Day, the exam will be available for just 30 days after you attend the live training day (Effective January 1, 2016).
How many attempts am I given in order to pass the online exam?
If at first you don’t succeed, try again and don’t forget to use your Study Guide. You are allowed two attempts to pass the exam, and if additional attempts are needed, a retest can be requested. A retest fee of $50 will be required for each additional attempt needed to pass the exam (Effective January 1, 2016).
Do I need to pass the exam in order to begin teaching?
This is at the discretion of the facility where you work, but Mad Dogg Athletics® recommends that you earn your certification before you begin teaching. It’s also a good idea to earn your CPR/AED/First Aid certification as well. However, we urge you to work with an experienced, certified Spinning Instructor until you are certified and ready to teach.
I need to replace my Spinning® Instructor Certification card. How do I get a new copy?
You may request a replacement copy of your Spinning® Instructor Certification card at any time for a small fee. To request a copy of your instructor certification card, please contact the Education Department at education@spinning.com.
When will I receive my Certified Spinning® Instructor card?
Once you’ve attended the Spinning Instructor Live Certification Training Day and passed the online exam, please allow 2-3 weeks for the U.S. and Canada, and 3-4 weeks for international locations for your card to arrive. Log in to your instructor account to verify your mailing address.
What is Continuing Education?
Continuing education is professional learning that follows the basic level of certification for professionals in a given field. It helps them to be knowledgeable and proficient, and is typically required to maintain certifications and licenses in any profession that involves public trust.
What are SPIN® Continuing Education Credits (CECs)?
SPIN® CECs are the Spinning program-related continuing education credits you must earn after getting certified in order to maintain your certification. You'll earn 6 SPIN® CECs for each 4-hour Spinning workshop, and 3 SPIN® CECs for each 2-hour Spinning workshop. To earn SPIN® CECs without leaving home, you can earn 1 SPIN® CECs for each newsletter quiz you complete, and 5-6 SPIN® CECs for each home study or online course.
Can I earn SPIN® CECs for continuing education through organizations other than Mad Dogg Athletics?
Yes. You can petition to receive credit for workshops and courses completed through other educational organizations for a small fee. The course content must be directly applicable to your role as a Spinning Instructor, and the course instructor must be qualified. Petitioned courses have to be earned within your renewal period and you cannot submit the same course more than once within a single renewal period. Click here to learn more about the petition process.
Do the Spinning® Instructor Certification and Spinning continuing education workshops provide CECs that I can apply towards other certifications?
Yes. ACE, AFAA, and NASM all award CECs for taking the Spinning Instructor Certification, and most Spinning workshops and courses award credits for ACE and AFAA. Each course description will state the number of credits for that course on the continuing education page.
Can I submit my CPR/AED and First Aid cards for SPIN® CECs?
Yes, you can earn .5 SPIN® CECs for CPR/AED and .5 SPIN® CECs for First Aid; however, the certifications must be up to date and earned within that two-year certification period, and you can’t submit CPR/AED/First Aid more than once within a two-year certification period. Proof of certification is required.
What is the difference between recertification and renewal?
Certification renewal is required every two years, and you become eligible to renew once you have accumulated 14 Current SPIN® CECs during that renewal period*. When you renew, you will receive an updated Certified Spinning Instructor card.
Instructors are given a 90-day grace period after the certification expiration date to accumulate any remaining CECs needed. Instructors who allow their certification to lapse for more than 90-day grace period allotted, will forfeit their current CECs, and will be required to take the online recertification course. Once you pass the online recertification exam, you will receive a new Certified Spinning Instructor card that now expires two years from the date you passed your Recertification exam. If an extension to earn CECs is needed, instructors can request a renewal extension of up to 90 additional days for a fee of $50. This request must be processed prior to the end of the 90-day grace period mentioned above (Effective January 1, 2016).
What is the difference between the Spinning® Instructor Certification and the SPIN® membership?
The Spinning Instructor Certification is the credential you receive after you attend a Spinning Instructor Certification Live Training Day and pass your online exam. This certification is valid for two years. The SPIN membership is an annual benefits program that anyone can participate in. SPIN members receive monthly benefits and discounts from not only Spinning, but at Peak Pilates®, Bodyblade®, Crosscore®, Resist-A-ball®, Ugi®, and our growing list of partners. After attending a Spinning Instructor Certification Live Training Day, you will automatically receive a complimentary 30 day SPIN Membership (Effective January 1, 2016).
Note: If you registered for the Spinning Instructor Certification Live Training Day prior to January 1, 2016, the SPIN Membership expiration date you originally received upon registration will remain valid.
What is the fee to renew my certification?
The certification renewal fee is $79.00 every two years. SPIN members receive a 50% discount off the renewal fee (Effective January 1, 2016). Learn more about certification renewal here.
Is my certification valid outside of my home state or country?
Yes, the Spinning Instructor Certification is globally recognized and you can teach anywhere the Spinning Instructor Certification is accepted, which is almost everywhere! However, should you relocate or decide to teach in a different country, be mindful to research the local government and health ministry regulations to determine if any additional requirements are needed.
How can I find a job as a Spinning® Instructor?
The best type of studio or facility to apply your trade is an Official Spinning Facility. Official Spinning facilities use Spinner® bikes (the official indoor cycling bike of the Spinning program), only employ certified Spinning instructors, and are allowed to post job openings on Spinning.com. Visit our Job Board on Spinning.com to search for open instructor positions in your area.